Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Zainul Abedin Biography
Zainul Abedin, born on December 29, 1914, in Kishoreganj, East Bengal, British India (now Bangladesh), is a name synonymous with the modern art movement in Bangladesh. Known as Shilpacharya, which translates to 'Master of Art', Abedin carved a niche for himself in the world of art with his profound and expressive works that not only depicted the socio-political realities of his time but also played a pivotal role in shaping the art education system in Bangladesh.
Abedin's early life was spent near the scenic banks of the Brahmaputra River, which later became a recurring motif in his works. His artistic journey began at the Government School of Art in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he was admitted in 1933. Over the next five years, Abedin honed his skills in the British/European academic style and upon graduation, he joined the faculty of the same school. It was during this period that Abedin's work began to gain recognition, starting with his series of watercolors as a tribute to the Brahmaputra River, which earned him the Governor’s Gold Medal.
However, it was Abedin's sketches of the Bengal famine of 1943 that brought him into the limelight. These sketches, created with Chinese ink on cheap packing paper, depicted the harrowing conditions of the famine-stricken populace with a raw intensity that was both haunting and moving. This series not only earned Abedin widespread acclaim but also marked a turning point in his artistic style, steering him towards realism and social inquiry.
After the partition of India in 1947, Abedin moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and was instrumental in founding the Government Institute of Arts and Crafts (now the Institute of Fine Arts) in Dhaka in 1948, serving as its first principal. This institution played a crucial role in nurturing the modern art movement in Bangladesh and Abedin's efforts in establishing art education as part of the public school system laid the foundation for future generations of artists.
Abedin's works are characterized by their focus on the lives and struggles of the common people, often depicting scenes of rural life, poverty, and inequality. His commitment to social justice was evident in his art, which he used as a medium to highlight the plight of the marginalized. In addition to his sketches and paintings, Abedin also created murals and frescoes for several public buildings in Bangladesh, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Throughout his career, Abedin received numerous awards and accolades, including an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Delhi in 1974. He was also a cultural organizer and played a significant role in the Bengali Language Movement and the Bangladesh Liberation War movement. In 1975, Abedin founded the Folk Art Museum at Sonargaon and the Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala, a gallery of his own works, in Mymensingh.
Abedin's legacy extends beyond his artworks. He was a mentor to many and his vision for a modern art movement that was deeply rooted in the socio-cultural context of Bangladesh has left an indelible mark on the country's art scene. Abedin passed away on May 28, 1976, in Dhaka, but his work continues to inspire and influence artists around the world. In recognition of his contributions, a crater on the planet Mercury was named Abedin in 2009, and his birthday is celebrated in Bangladesh with festivals and art competitions, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
Zainul Abedin Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: